by Suman Gupta
February 2024, Delhi: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, hosted an an enlightening seminar, titled ‘Wood, Design, and Architecture’ in Delhi today. The event garnered immense success, bringing together experts, professionals, and enthusiasts from the design and architecture community to explore the dynamic intersection of wood in modern design and architectural practices. The architectural community enhanced their knowledge during an educational seminar organized by Canadian Wood, where they gained valuable insights into the sustainable and versatile qualities of this well-regarded material. The seminar provided a dynamic platform for the exchange of knowledge, enabling faculty members from architectural colleges to incorporate innovative solutions using Canadian Wood into their architectural practices. Top of Form
It was an insightful evening with engaging discussions on innovative ideas and the latest trends in wood utilization.
The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Ar. Gurpreet Singh from Aakar Design Consultants, who has made ground-breaking contributions to the architectural and design field. Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, a key figure in the organisation, provided valuable perspectives on the decimation of forests due to unregulated use, and how regulations have now protected forests across the country to allow for recovery.
Mr. Ritesh Kumar, Assistant Director Business Development, Canadian Wood, an expert in wood technology and innovation, also delved into the science behind wood versatility and durability, offering an earthquake-resistant alternative and boasting a rich legacy of our ancient monuments. Additionally, Mr. Rambeer Singh Yadav, Assistant Director Business Development from Canadian Wood focussed on the practical aspects of working with wood, and different species.
Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood, shared, “In addressing India’s wood needs amid forest conservation efforts, Canadian Wood stands out as a paragon of sustainability. Canada’s proactive stance on global climate agreements, coupled with its impressive 9% share of the world’s forest cover, attests to its commitment to environmental responsibility. With stringent laws allowing only 0.35% legal harvesting, Canadian Wood not only safeguards the rich biodiversity of British Columbia but also ensures wildlife and water conservation. The strategic availability of Canadian Wood in category A and B cities in India further enhances its appeal. The fusion of cutting-edge machinery and scientific processes in wood processing, from timber debarking to lumber grading, guarantees an efficient yield. Boasting superior quality across five distinct species, Canadian Wood proves versatile for indoor, outdoor, and construction applications, delivering unmatched strength and finish.”
Ar. Gurpreet Singh from Aakar Design Consultant said
“In the global resurgence of wood in construction, a historical revival unfolds, showcasing the strong design personality of wood across projects like the World Environment School in Coorg and the Royal Academy of Bhutan. From sustainable housing in Goa, Delhi, to Canada, wood’s role in architecture is not merely structural but a testament to design philosophies harmonizing with nature and sustainable sourcing. As we navigate sustainable construction challenges, from moisture and termite concerns to legal compliance and fire ratings, wood emerges not just as a viable alternative but as an ecological imperative. Canadian Wood, with its sustainable sourcing and cost-effectiveness, stands out as a beacon, bridging the gap between design innovation and global environmental responsibility.”
This seminar provided a unique opportunity for professionals and enthusiasts alike to gain insights, exchange ideas, and foster collaborations in the ever-evolving world of design.
FII largely promotes five wood species in India that are sourced from the sustainably managed forests of B.C., Canada. These five species, namely Douglas-fir, Western Hemlock, Western Red Cedar, Yellow Cedar and Spruce-Pine-Fir (SPF), are recommended for different applications. They are available in 23 cities across India through a strong network of 40+ stockists.
About Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (Canadian Wood): FII India is a crown corporation of the government of British Columbia (B.C.), the western most province of Canada. Its mandate is to promote wood products from B.C. Canada in the offshore markets and to position it as a global supplier of quality, environmentally responsible wood products from sustainably managed forests by creating awareness, spreading education through information and technical support on the wide variety of timber products available from B.C. Canada. Its brand/logo Canadian Wood was established in 2013 to reach out to the ease of understanding of its activities by its target audience globally.
Learn more about Canadian Wood. Visit:http://www.canadianwood.in
